Of DEs, wheels, tires, and swaybars... (enjoy)
09-24-2002 | 10:18 PM
#1
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From: Pittsburgh
Of DEs, wheels, tires, and swaybars... (enjoy)
Greetings to all!
This will be a long one, but it's a good story.
So last month I did Nelson's Ledges DE, back again after 2 years hiatus from the last time I did my first DE and spun my #2 rod bearing. Pleanty of fun out there, it came back very quickly. So I'm working on my Smooth=Fast...
And fast it was, so much so that my street tires (BFG Comp TAs) began to "goo" on me. Ok I can handle this. As my brakes faded on me (a first) coming in after the kink at full tilt, plus gooey tires, I spun as I tried to scrub some speed in the turn.
Still a kickass weekend, but spinning is bad.
Upgrade time!
Continued...
This will be a long one, but it's a good story.
So last month I did Nelson's Ledges DE, back again after 2 years hiatus from the last time I did my first DE and spun my #2 rod bearing. Pleanty of fun out there, it came back very quickly. So I'm working on my Smooth=Fast...
And fast it was, so much so that my street tires (BFG Comp TAs) began to "goo" on me. Ok I can handle this. As my brakes faded on me (a first) coming in after the kink at full tilt, plus gooey tires, I spun as I tried to scrub some speed in the turn.
Still a kickass weekend, but spinning is bad.
Upgrade time!
Continued...
09-24-2002 | 10:28 PM
#2
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Pittsburgh
...
So, after doing my on track research with my "peers" who are all better than me, I came to the conclusion that either the Victoracers or Yoko 032s will be my tires on another set of wheels. I went with the 032s as I needed somethign dependable for to and from the track as well.
Other wheels...
Remember "Need wheel color opinion"? Well thanks again all who commented. I went with white. So I had to get the remaining chrome electrostripped, get the oxidized and leftover nickel blasted off, and powercoated (for durability). Wouldn't you know it I had to go to 3 seperate places to accomplish this! But I still got it done on top of work in 2 weeks turn around. They are in the 10 foot rule... looks great from 10+ feet away! The quality of the work is directly proportional to the depth of the wallet. My money was require elsewhere as well...
Thanks again for your opinions, as soon as I can find a place to post my pic (Dan?) I will have them up!
Cont...
So, after doing my on track research with my "peers" who are all better than me, I came to the conclusion that either the Victoracers or Yoko 032s will be my tires on another set of wheels. I went with the 032s as I needed somethign dependable for to and from the track as well.
Other wheels...
Remember "Need wheel color opinion"? Well thanks again all who commented. I went with white. So I had to get the remaining chrome electrostripped, get the oxidized and leftover nickel blasted off, and powercoated (for durability). Wouldn't you know it I had to go to 3 seperate places to accomplish this! But I still got it done on top of work in 2 weeks turn around. They are in the 10 foot rule... looks great from 10+ feet away! The quality of the work is directly proportional to the depth of the wallet. My money was require elsewhere as well...
Thanks again for your opinions, as soon as I can find a place to post my pic (Dan?) I will have them up!
Cont...
09-24-2002 | 10:38 PM
#3
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From: Pittsburgh
...
And I also wanted my tires on my refinished wheels to stick well to the track. My body roll was rather excessive, and I had a Weltmeister fron swaybar sitting in my garage...
...Sans Instructions! Plus I went with the matching rear Welt and figures, WTH, got the tower brace as well.
So the rear Welt comes first, bolts up no problem once I turned the thnig over! It helped quite a bit on its own, now on to the front...
...and some of you may remember my post on "who has Weltmeister Swaybars" and "Welt Swaybar help reqd". Again, tons of thanks to all, M758 and PorsRay from the 993 board, the guy who got me in the PCA to start. You posted pics that got the bar mostly installed and all helped me to determine I had the Early control arm drop link kit, and required the other set for my Aluminum arms.
The Excellence Article (a great help) was digitized by Ray and sent to me. Then a frantic desprate call to my Wrench, Dave, and a afternoon visit; lets me scavenge the required parts from a used bar, plus tells me how to rebild my drop links so that they won't have the tendency to break.
Both of these bars on and WOW, what a difference! Absolutely incredible. I can't believe what I have been missing.
cont...
And I also wanted my tires on my refinished wheels to stick well to the track. My body roll was rather excessive, and I had a Weltmeister fron swaybar sitting in my garage...
...Sans Instructions! Plus I went with the matching rear Welt and figures, WTH, got the tower brace as well.
So the rear Welt comes first, bolts up no problem once I turned the thnig over! It helped quite a bit on its own, now on to the front...
...and some of you may remember my post on "who has Weltmeister Swaybars" and "Welt Swaybar help reqd". Again, tons of thanks to all, M758 and PorsRay from the 993 board, the guy who got me in the PCA to start. You posted pics that got the bar mostly installed and all helped me to determine I had the Early control arm drop link kit, and required the other set for my Aluminum arms.
The Excellence Article (a great help) was digitized by Ray and sent to me. Then a frantic desprate call to my Wrench, Dave, and a afternoon visit; lets me scavenge the required parts from a used bar, plus tells me how to rebild my drop links so that they won't have the tendency to break.
Both of these bars on and WOW, what a difference! Absolutely incredible. I can't believe what I have been missing.
cont...
09-24-2002 | 10:43 PM
#4
Nordschleife Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 5,700
Likes: 72
From: Charlotte, NC
I like the A032R's for durability, they are not the most grippy tires out there, but they are great for DE's. I ran a couple a couple weekends on mine and they still on plenty of tread left.
If you want to email me the pics renn951@hotmail.com I will host them for you.
If you want to email me the pics renn951@hotmail.com I will host them for you.
09-24-2002 | 10:48 PM
#5
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 704
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From: Pittsburgh
...
So the Tower brace. Big PARAGON Plug here!
Honestly, I don't really know if it makes a difference, but yes I think it looks cool, and I figure the hard life my car has had, a little stiffening COULDN'T hurt, right?
Ordered (along w/ rear Welt) from Paragon and has to come from their "supplier". part arrives, the tower mounts look "strange" but the instructions, bar and hardware looks just fine. Packaging issue I guess, and Call Jason.
Great guy again on the phone. Sends me a replacement in 3 day priority and emails me a UPS return label at their cost! WOW! I screwed up my tirerack order (thanx there for that help guys, "tire size help required") and I ended up eating about $40 in shipping! Happy customer!
So the new part arrives, and it is identical to the one that was wrong, the wrong hats in the right box. I call up again, and no big deal, oh well, it doesn't matter much attitude I have now...
And they NEXT DAY AIR me one that was checked to make sure it was the right part! Wholly crap. I'm a customer for life. Jason and co, ya'll rock and you have a lifelong customer now.
cont... yes more...
So the Tower brace. Big PARAGON Plug here!
Honestly, I don't really know if it makes a difference, but yes I think it looks cool, and I figure the hard life my car has had, a little stiffening COULDN'T hurt, right?
Ordered (along w/ rear Welt) from Paragon and has to come from their "supplier". part arrives, the tower mounts look "strange" but the instructions, bar and hardware looks just fine. Packaging issue I guess, and Call Jason.
Great guy again on the phone. Sends me a replacement in 3 day priority and emails me a UPS return label at their cost! WOW! I screwed up my tirerack order (thanx there for that help guys, "tire size help required") and I ended up eating about $40 in shipping! Happy customer!
So the new part arrives, and it is identical to the one that was wrong, the wrong hats in the right box. I call up again, and no big deal, oh well, it doesn't matter much attitude I have now...
And they NEXT DAY AIR me one that was checked to make sure it was the right part! Wholly crap. I'm a customer for life. Jason and co, ya'll rock and you have a lifelong customer now.
cont... yes more...
09-24-2002 | 11:05 PM
#6
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 704
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From: Pittsburgh
...
So Da RiDe bE hOOkeD Upp, yO!
And BeaveRun is fast nice and fun... beaverun.com
The whole setup is amazing compared to what I had. Not to brag, beat my chest, or say I was being dangerous... But I passed just about everyone my my rungroup. Yes that was "D" but I had about the "slowest" car there. So satisfying to pass a couple 911s and 986s!
Sooooooooooo Hooked now. The 44 was running like a champ! No cat for this weekend so it sounded as fast as I was going.
The new track is great and it's only 1hr door to door from me. The whole facility was buzzin all weekend and it's not even done. Huge Autocross going on at their 6 acres or so of pavement, the PCA and friends, karting going on at all skill levels, plus a rallycross in the dirt!
I need to thank you all for your help, goodwill and insight. You helped make my weekend! I would like to buy you all a beer, but please, one at a time! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
I have pictures of me (digital) and even the 44 in a small MPEG going through turns 1-4. Someone care to host them or tell me how? I'd love to share some more but am somewhat technically declined. I'll even throw in teh footage and pics of the REAL Lotus Elise that was workin it this weekend!
Again, thank you all. Rennlist Rocks! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
(yeah, that's it for now! Thanks for reading...)
So Da RiDe bE hOOkeD Upp, yO!
And BeaveRun is fast nice and fun... beaverun.com
The whole setup is amazing compared to what I had. Not to brag, beat my chest, or say I was being dangerous... But I passed just about everyone my my rungroup. Yes that was "D" but I had about the "slowest" car there. So satisfying to pass a couple 911s and 986s!
Sooooooooooo Hooked now. The 44 was running like a champ! No cat for this weekend so it sounded as fast as I was going.
The new track is great and it's only 1hr door to door from me. The whole facility was buzzin all weekend and it's not even done. Huge Autocross going on at their 6 acres or so of pavement, the PCA and friends, karting going on at all skill levels, plus a rallycross in the dirt!
I need to thank you all for your help, goodwill and insight. You helped make my weekend! I would like to buy you all a beer, but please, one at a time! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
I have pictures of me (digital) and even the 44 in a small MPEG going through turns 1-4. Someone care to host them or tell me how? I'd love to share some more but am somewhat technically declined. I'll even throw in teh footage and pics of the REAL Lotus Elise that was workin it this weekend!
Again, thank you all. Rennlist Rocks! <img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
(yeah, that's it for now! Thanks for reading...)
09-24-2002 | 11:14 PM
#7
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,643
Likes: 8
From: Phoenix, Az
Dude.... Long post <img src="graemlins/yltype.gif" border="0" alt="[typing]" />
Glad you had a great time and the car ran great. It sure is fun passing 911s and boxster isn't it! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />
Now it is time to return the favor...
...How did you stength the drop links on the front welts.... Please tell...
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Glad you had a great time and the car ran great. It sure is fun passing 911s and boxster isn't it! <img src="graemlins/jumper.gif" border="0" alt="[jumper]" />
Now it is time to return the favor...
...How did you stength the drop links on the front welts.... Please tell...
<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
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09-25-2002 | 10:23 AM
#8
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From: Pittsburgh
Well I haven't done it YET, but I will when I order the other Welt parts I need from Automotion or something. (my mechanic's drop links are on loan)
You know the spherical bearing on the control arm monut? You get another two of these (and their bushings) and go to some hardware store and get their strongest grade threaded rod to attach the 2.
Use this and the existing bottom allembly to allow the link to swivel more and it will be beefier at the same time with only about 1" of weak space (the threaded rod) instead of the whole rod of the standard version.
My wrench has been doing it this way for quite a while and has had better success with the Welt bars and links built like this.
I haven't snapped my links yet, but I also have no intentions of going down that road.
HTH,
You know the spherical bearing on the control arm monut? You get another two of these (and their bushings) and go to some hardware store and get their strongest grade threaded rod to attach the 2.
Use this and the existing bottom allembly to allow the link to swivel more and it will be beefier at the same time with only about 1" of weak space (the threaded rod) instead of the whole rod of the standard version.
My wrench has been doing it this way for quite a while and has had better success with the Welt bars and links built like this.
I haven't snapped my links yet, but I also have no intentions of going down that road.
HTH,
09-25-2002 | 11:16 AM
#9
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Joined: May 2001
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From: Pittsburgh
Here's a couple of Pics that I loaded onto my P-Caronline site:
And that's me in Turn 2 Apexing
And my car in my spot, awaiting my run group.
And the wheels fellas? Eh?! I can re-do the caps however I like, but I had red at home so that worked for now.
And that's me in Turn 2 Apexing
And my car in my spot, awaiting my run group.
And the wheels fellas? Eh?! I can re-do the caps however I like, but I had red at home so that worked for now.
09-25-2002 | 11:46 AM
#10
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,643
Likes: 8
From: Phoenix, Az
OK.... Now its time for me to be a little unclear.. 
So are you talking about using basicly two rod ends per side. Replacing the upper rubber bushing link with another rod end similar to and still using the supplied lower rod end???
Of course threaded rod will be required to link the two rod ends together.
I think I understand now.
Oh PSUice944... Car looks really good.. Love the color of the car....All I have is really faded red... White wheels look good, but may get nasty from brake dust... Center caps... My choice is blue to match the car! Or take them off for the track. Some tech boards require that. Others are not quite as picky.
So are you talking about using basicly two rod ends per side. Replacing the upper rubber bushing link with another rod end similar to and still using the supplied lower rod end???
Of course threaded rod will be required to link the two rod ends together.
I think I understand now.
Oh PSUice944... Car looks really good.. Love the color of the car....All I have is really faded red... White wheels look good, but may get nasty from brake dust... Center caps... My choice is blue to match the car! Or take them off for the track. Some tech boards require that. Others are not quite as picky.
09-25-2002 | 12:11 PM
#11
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Chris, wish I could've joined you this past weekend. We coulda ran circles around those goofy rear engined slow-pokes together.
I'd be happy to help you post pics, although I'd just post them to my P-car webspace (thanks John D!). Love to see the video too.
I went down to VA/MD this weekend. Hit the MTV Fast Enuff Challenge casting call on Saturday and then a visit with my older sis in B-more. The MTV thing SUCKED. At least 50% of the reason I was going was for the Skip Barber instructor driven Viper thrill rides, and they decided not to do them at this event. I was a little miffed. The rest of the weekend was cool though, I picked up a set of nearly new Hoosiers for $100. And sampled the B-more bar scene, which was fun.
Chris, are you going to the Mid-Ohio DE coming up? I see its sold out, so I guess I'm too late.
I'd be happy to help you post pics, although I'd just post them to my P-car webspace (thanks John D!). Love to see the video too.
I went down to VA/MD this weekend. Hit the MTV Fast Enuff Challenge casting call on Saturday and then a visit with my older sis in B-more. The MTV thing SUCKED. At least 50% of the reason I was going was for the Skip Barber instructor driven Viper thrill rides, and they decided not to do them at this event. I was a little miffed. The rest of the weekend was cool though, I picked up a set of nearly new Hoosiers for $100. And sampled the B-more bar scene, which was fun.
Chris, are you going to the Mid-Ohio DE coming up? I see its sold out, so I guess I'm too late.
09-25-2002 | 12:36 PM
#12
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From: Pittsburgh
M758, yes you do understand!
I believe you can order these parts individually from PP/Automotion as they seem to be the USAs major supplier.
DanG, Nope, no Mid Ohio for me this year. It would be greedy of me to take those days off of work again for another month... HOWEVER, The Buckeye region PCA is having a 1 day DE at BMC, Friday October 11th.
Hows that for tempting? I'm not sure if I'm signing up for that one, but if you are game, I think I may at least go and hang out a bit!
I have all the Pics here at work on CD as my email at home won't handle the volume. How did you get so much space at your P-caronline site? I'd be happy to send you some of good ones. The video isn't too shabby either. I also have Turn by Turn foggy pictures as we walked the track Sunday before it was cleared to run. (kinda cool!)
Post or send your email addy and I will send you what I have.
I'm at imports@dayauto.com
I believe you can order these parts individually from PP/Automotion as they seem to be the USAs major supplier.
DanG, Nope, no Mid Ohio for me this year. It would be greedy of me to take those days off of work again for another month... HOWEVER, The Buckeye region PCA is having a 1 day DE at BMC, Friday October 11th.
Hows that for tempting? I'm not sure if I'm signing up for that one, but if you are game, I think I may at least go and hang out a bit!
I have all the Pics here at work on CD as my email at home won't handle the volume. How did you get so much space at your P-caronline site? I'd be happy to send you some of good ones. The video isn't too shabby either. I also have Turn by Turn foggy pictures as we walked the track Sunday before it was cleared to run. (kinda cool!)
Post or send your email addy and I will send you what I have.
I'm at imports@dayauto.com
09-25-2002 | 12:37 PM
#13
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 17,643
Likes: 8
From: Phoenix, Az
[quote]Originally posted by PSUice944:
<strong>M758, yes you do understand!
I believe you can order these parts individually from PP/Automotion as they seem to be the USAs major supplier.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
Cool Thanks
<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
<strong>M758, yes you do understand!
I believe you can order these parts individually from PP/Automotion as they seem to be the USAs major supplier.
</strong><hr></blockquote>
Cool Thanks
<img src="graemlins/bigok.gif" border="0" alt="[thumbsup]" />
09-25-2002 | 04:34 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,594
Likes: 1
From: Costa Mesa, CA
Grrrr... theres an image/post limit and I just lost most of what I wrote.
These are pics from PSUice944's recent trip to a BeaveRun DE.
Orgasmic looking Lotus...
Check out the scale of the man standing behind the car!
In case you are on a slow connection and want to see the pics individually, click the link here:
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/PSUIce/" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/PSUIce/</a>
These are pics from PSUice944's recent trip to a BeaveRun DE.
Orgasmic looking Lotus...
Check out the scale of the man standing behind the car!
In case you are on a slow connection and want to see the pics individually, click the link here:
<a href="http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/PSUIce/" target="_blank">http://www.p-caronline.com/stuttgart/gielamonster/PSUIce/</a>
